There was a Birth Centre Network NSW wholly funded by NSW Health a few years ago, but not sure that it is still functional.
I can remember a concern of the network at the time that no women from disadvantaged groups ever used the existing birth centres so a lovely little pamphlet was designed and distributed (courtesy of NSW Health) that attempted to define the birth centre concept and explain the advantages to women who used them.
cover page was titled ...
Birthing Place for All Women
pic of baby inserted here
BIRTH CENTRES
inside was ....
What is a birth centre?
*A place to have your baby away from Labour Ward but still part of the hospital
*In a birth centre each room has a double bed, chair, curtains and nice furnishings
*The midwives of the birth centre will see you right through your nate-natal care, labour and after birth
*A doctor will be called if problems arise
*Medicare covers costs for birth centre care
Why use a birth centre?
*You have your baby your way
* It's a relaxed, friendly atmosphere
* You can have your own support - whoever you want
* A natural birth is encouraged with hot showers, baths and hot packs, but if you want there is the gas or needle for pain (hard to believe this one!)
* Cultrural practices are respected and encouraged
Who can use a birth centre?
Almost all women can use a birth centre, but you may need to book in early
Who will I see?
Usually the midwives are female
You may be able to have shared care with a general pracftitioner, obstetrician or private midiwfe
People to talk to
.... there followed the local birth centres and Social work department contact detaiils as well as aboriginal medical service.
Lots of work went into developing this pamphlet and as far as I can remember no feedback data was ever collected or the success of it's dissemination evaluated. Shame about that.
If you really want a good definition of a Natural BIrth Centre - here is the one I like best .........
<x-tad-bigger>
A Natural Birth Centre is</x-tad-bigger><x-tad-bigger>
* a safe, home-like place to have your baby.
* managed by midwives who are specialists in natural birth
* for women who plan to have their baby naturally.
* located in (or near) a public maternity hospital that facilitates medical referral if necessary
The Birth Centre midwives provide care for low-risk women throughout pregnancy, labour, birth and afterwards.
The Birth Centre education program aims to empower women and their support people with a unique understanding of pregnancy and birth knowledge that facilitates participation in decision making related to the birth of their baby. </x-tad-bigger>
I don't think any of the so called Birth Centres can say they adhere to all the above criteria. I would like to hear from any who think they do.
I would like to see the development of Natural Birth Centres attached to each and every public hospital in the country. There would need to be a transfer of staff out into Community Midwifery programs ... The Community premises would become the Natural Birth Centres of the future and the focal point for women who wish to arrange for a home birth as well. Midwives who see their career pathway as becoming specialist in natural births do not rotate through labour and delivery suites and commit themselves to community services and forming partnerships with women rather than be placed on the rotating roster within a maternity unit.
This is something that needs discussion at national level - perhaps put on the ACMI executive agenda.
Cheers
Jan
Jan Robinson Independent Midwife Practitioner
National Coordinator Australian Society of Independent Midwives
8 Robin Crescent South Hurstville NSW 2221 Phone/Fax: 02 9546 4350
e-mail address: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> website: www.midwiferyeducation.com.au
The birth centre where I work offers midwife care throughout antenatal, intrapartum and post natal. We encourage non-drug use in labour, but do have gas and morphine. These are NEVER offered, and not given on first ask. It is between the midwife the woman and her supports when drugs are used, the vast majority do not even think about it. Nitros does not affect her choice for a water birth, but morphine does, she can labour in water. Iv therapy can be given to rehydrate if necessary, and ceased once a litre has been given. We have research based policies, and are therefore more liberal than delivery suite. eg 48 hours RM, 42 weeks before induction, trans. to DS. No CTGs. Physiological 3rd stage except for previous pph and 'at risk' such as prolonged second stage. We inundate our clients with info, pros and cons, and encourage them to do their own research. They are usually home in 24hrs. We are no longer doing VBACs, due to obest. intervention.. Maureen
-----Original Message-----
From:[EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]On Behalf Ofdiane
Sent:Saturday, 15 January 2005 12:05 AM
To:ozmidwifery@acegraphics.com.au
Subject:[ozmidwifery] Birth Centre
Ok, ive outed myself now,
I have been lurking on this list, drawing upon the wisdom of all you beautiful, passionate women, for some time now and I finally have a question.
What is the accepted Australian definition of a "Birth Centre"? Is there one?
Our midwifery led, low risk unit offers team midwifery and hopefully soon, caseload care. Our brand new unit is linked closely to the maternity ward where we have only postnatal care.
We have obstetricians available on call, and they have the ability to perform an emergency c/s if needed.
We would love to call our new unit, with it's big baths in all three birthing rooms, a birth centre as this would help to demedicalise the concept and help us bring our midwifery services to the local women and the community.
Any thoughts?
Di.
